Sensor Control Apparatus for Vibration Power Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration power generators struggle to provide a stable power supply to condition monitoring apparatuses due to insufficient power generation, necessitating a reduction in power consumption by the apparatuses to maintain operation.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that includes a first signal generator, a second signal generator, and a controller to switch the operation mode of the sensor between sleep and active modes based on trigger signals from the rectifying and smoothing circuit and the converter, respectively, optimizing power usage and eliminating the need for additional sensors like acceleration sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the condition monitoring apparatus operates continuously to monitor vibrations, then monitoring reliability is improved, but power consumption increases making stable operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active monitoring mode and sleep mode. The control unit activates the sensor to acquire vibration data when power is available, then transitions it to sleep mode to conserve energy, creating a periodic operation pattern that balances monitoring reliability with power conservation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the sensor's operational state based on real-time power availability. The control unit monitors power generator output and adaptively switches the sensor between active and sleep modes, making the system flexible rather than static in its power consumption characteristics
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors like acceleration sensors are added to improve monitoring capability, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing vibration sensor performs multiple functions: it detects vibrations for condition monitoring and simultaneously serves as the trigger for power management decisions. The control unit utilizes the sensor's output signal both for monitoring purposes and for determining when to activate or deactivate the sensor, making the single sensor multi-functional
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration sensor's own output signal is used to trigger the power management control. When the sensor detects vibration above a threshold, it generates a signal that the control unit uses to activate the sensor; when vibration is below threshold, the same signal pathway triggers deactivation, making the system self-regulating without additional control sensors
3Measurement precision
If the sensor operates in active mode continuously, then measurement precision is maintained, but power consumption becomes unsustainable with vibration power generation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active monitoring mode and sleep mode. The control unit activates the sensor to acquire vibration data when power is available, then transitions it to sleep mode to conserve energy, creating a periodic operation pattern that balances monitoring reliability with power conservation
Solution Approach 2:
Despite periodic sleeping, the system maintains continuous monitoring capability through rapid wake-sleep transitions. The sensor can quickly transition from sleep to active state when vibration triggers occur, ensuring that useful monitoring action continues without significant gaps, while energy is conserved during low-activity periods
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces power consumption and ensures stable operation of condition monitoring apparatuses by effectively managing power supply through mode switching, allowing for efficient monitoring without additional sensors, thereby enhancing the reliability of vibration-powered systems.
Implementation Method 1
A vibration power generator generates power by using an ambient vibration such as a vibration of a car or a train
Implementation Method 2
a rectifying and smoothing circuit configured to convert AC power output from the power generator into DC power
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a control apparatus for controlling a sensor that operates on power supplied by a power generator via an electric circuit including a rectifying and smoothing circuit converting AC power output from the power generator into DC power and a converter transforming an output voltage of the rectifying and smoothing circuit includes a first and a second signal generator and a controller. The first signal generator generates a first signal based on the output voltage of the rectifying and smoothing circuit. The second signal generator generates a second signal based on an output voltage of the converter. The controller switches an operation mode of the sensor between a sleep mode and an active mode based on the first and second signals.